2014 Hall of Fame Inductee-

Timothy L. Talen

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2014 issue of Vintage Airplane magazine

The EAA Vintage Aircraft Association wishes to announce that Timothy L. Talen, EAA 8615, VAA 1616, of Springfield, Oregon, has been chosen as the 2014 VAA Hall of Fame recipient. Tim was born in Seattle, Washington, in 1945 and eventually graduated from Cal State University at Chico, California, in 1972 with a master’s degree in history. But Tim just didn’t stick to history books; he actually made history come alive with his talented craftsmanship of old vintage airplanes. As a teenager he gained his first hands-on experience working on an airplane when he and his father built a Corben Baby Ace. After earning his undergraduate degree, Tim fulfilled his military obligation as an air traffic controller in Vietnam. In 1969 Tim learned to fly in an Aeronca Champ under the tutelage of his father. Tim eventually moved to Oregon in 1977 and initiated the actions leading to the formation of the Oregon Antique & Classic Aircraft Club in 1980 and the Oregon Aviation Historical Society in 1983. Tim has spent his adult life in the pursuit of researching, collecting, and restoring vintage aircraft from his shop outside of Springfield, Oregon. Tim is considered an expert restoration technician for many single-engine aircraft and has restored the following, just to name a few: the Interstate Cadet, Cessna 120, Piper J-3 Cub, Fairchild 22, 1929 Fleet, 1929 Great Lakes, 1935 Speedbird, Porterfield, Rearwin Skyranger, Piper J-5, 1939 Stinson HW-75, and Taylorcraft. Tim’s restorations have received countless accolades and awards at EAA Oshkosh; Evergreen, Washington; Merced and Watsonville, California; and the North Bend, Oregon, Air Fair. Because of Tim’s background in history, his efforts are displayed broadly throughout each of his restorations as his aim for authenticity shines brightly with each completed airplane. Tim Talen’s dedication to his craft has provided numerous examples of rare and interesting aircraft resurrections that can be appreciated by future generations. Please join me in once again congratulating Tim Talen as the 2014 VAA Hall of Fame inductee.

Written by Jim Busha